All rivers & swimming holes
River · Connecticut · United States

Housatonic River Water Temperature Today

Housatonic River, a river swimming spot in Connecticut, United States. The water reaches comfortable swimming temperatures in high summer, and is near-freezing in midwinter.

In August Housatonic River averages about 25°C, peaking near 25°C in July, August, September and dropping to roughly 3°C at its coldest.

Water temperature estimate
25.0°Chot
August climatology for this spot · Excellent
Typical in August
25.0°C
Air temperature
Wind
UV index

River and swimming-hole temperatures are modelled from long-term monthly averages and refined with live air temperature, wind and UV. Moving water reacts faster to the weather than a lake or the sea.

Housatonic River water temperature by month

MonthAverage water temperatureSwimming
January4.5°Ccold
February3.0°Ccold
March4.5°Ccold
April8.5°Ccold
May14.0°Ccool
June19.5°Cmild
July23.5°Cwarm
August25.0°Chot
September23.5°Cwarm
October19.5°Cmild
November14.0°Ccool
December8.5°Ccold

Housatonic River swim conditions FAQ

What is the water temperature in Housatonic River right now?

In August the water in Housatonic River averages about 25°C. We refine that long-term average with today's air temperature, because this river responds quickly to the weather.

When is the best time to swim in Housatonic River?

The comfortable swim season — 18°C or warmer — runs through June, July, August, September, October, with the warmest water in July, August, September at around 25°C.

Can you swim in Housatonic River in winter?

Yes, but winter temperatures drop to roughly 3°C. Below 12°C, cold-water shock is the main risk: enter slowly, never swim alone, and limit time in the water.

Is Housatonic River safe for swimming?

Moving and inland water carries different risks from the sea: check flow after rain, avoid weirs and undercut banks, look for submerged rocks before jumping, and respect local access rules and water-quality notices.

Water safety tips

  • Check the flow rate after heavy rain — inland water can rise and speed up within hours.
  • Never jump before checking depth and submerged rocks; levels change through the season.
  • Enter slowly to control cold-water shock, and get out before you start shivering.
  • Swim with someone else and agree an exit point downstream before you start.
  • Winter water here can be near freezing; treat it as a cold-water swim.

Swim season here: June, July, August, September, October.

Nearby swim spots

More swim spots in United States